How to Keep Your AC Running Efficiently

By
Fresh Aire Duct Cleaning
|October 15, 2016

Whether temperatures are just starting to climb after a chilly spring or
you’re deep in the dog days of summer, you want your AC to work
when you adjust the thermostat to compensate for the heat outdoors. Naturally,
you also want your system to run as efficiently as possible. Here are
a few tips to keep your system in ship shape throughout the summer months.

Clean and Inspect Regularly

One of the most essential steps to take if you want your air conditioning
unit to continue functioning at optimal capacity is to hire a professional
to clean and inspect your unit regularly, generally on an annual basis.
During this inspection, he or she will clean your AC unit, replace filters,
and repair minor damage to ensure the greatest possible efficiency.

Use the Auto Setting

Most AC units have at least a couple of fan settings, with the most basic
being “on” or “auto”. When you set fans to “on”,
they will run continuously.

Setting them to auto means they only run until your home interior has reaches
the temperature you set, at which time they turn off. They will only turn
on again when the temperature rises enough to require more cold air.

Some newer, energy-efficient models have additional settings, as well.
New features include a function that uses minimal energy to adjust the
temperature 1-2 degrees or kicks it up a notch if the temperature changes
more than two degrees, allowing you the opportunity to save energy by
how you set your thermostat.

Program Your Thermostat

If you have yet to install a digital, programmable thermostat, you are
almost certainly compromising the efficiency of your HVAC system. With
a programmable thermostat, you can increase the efficiency of your AC
unit by setting the temperature to adjust when the family is gone for
the day (at work and school), as well as during sleep times.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, thermostats should be set to
no higher than 68 degrees (F) in winter and no lower than 78 in summer.
In addition, they estimate that you could cut energy usage (and utility
costs) by up to 10% by programming your thermostat to adjust by 7-10 degrees
for eight hours each day.

Conduct a Home Energy Audit

Your AC unit can’t be efficient if all of your cold air is leaking
out around the seams. A home energy audit will pinpoint areas of waste
around doors, windows, vents, pipes, in the insulation, and so on. With
this information, you can weatherize your home and make your HVAC more
efficient.

Clean Ducts

You don’t necessarily have to undergo residential air duct cleaning
every time you have your annual HVAC inspection, although it depends on
your usage and the area you live in. However, you should inspect your
ducts regularly and you even spring for air duct cleaning as necessary.
These actions will help you maintain an effective and efficient HVAC system overall.